| The effectiveness of enteric coatings in stabilizing microencapsulated iodine was investigated. Eudragit NE 30D, Eudragit RS 30D, Eudragit S100, HPMCAS, and ethylcellulose coatings (5--15% particle mass encapsulation level) on potassium iodate premixes were identified as the most stable formulations based on iodine retention tested in double fortified salt samples with soy stearine-encapsulated iron premixes stored at different conditions (60% RH at 40°C, and room temperature conditions: 25°C and 35% RH) for 3 months.; Potassium iodate premixes encapsulated with these coatings (15% encapsulation level) were added to non-iodized salt samples and exposed to much more severe conditions (0.1% w/w ferrous sulphate and 60%RH at 40°C). All the iodine initially contained in the samples was lost in eight weeks. Process control and difficulties experienced with the equipment available did not allow continuous film formation, which influenced the results.; The use of these polymeric coatings increased the particle density of the premixes by 25%--60% compared to soy stearine encapsulated iodine, eliminating the potential problem of losing floating premix particles during food preparation. Further investigation of alternative film formers was recommended along with optimization of coating techniques, conditions and formulations. |
